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Peyton Manning has been known as a hard
worker his entire NFL career, and Vince Wilfork understands how much
work the four-time MVP puts in. Just like his own quarterback, Tom
Brady.

That’s why Wilfork and the Patriots’
defense are studying up as much as ever this week, as they prepare
for Manning and the Broncos to visit Gillette Stadium on Sunday.

“Once again it’s the old fashioned
rivalry against Manning, and it’s going to be interesting,”
Wilfork said on Thursday.

While he prepares for what is likely to
be an epic showdown between two of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, Wilfork couldn’t say enough about the type of competitor
he’ll be squaring off with this weekend.

“He’s one of the best. He works
his tail off. He’s just a tough competitor,” Wilfork said of
Manning. “He’s probably one of the toughest guys [in the NFL].”

Wilfork continued on about Manning’s
competitive streak, but made sure to tout Brady in the conversation
as well. He even threw San Diego Charger quarterback Philip Rivers’name in the mix, just to keep things interesting.

“Philip Rivers is very
competitive when you talk about quarterbacks. Tom is very
competitive. But that’s what makes these guys in a whole different
league of their own,” Wilfork said of the quarterbacking trio.
“They take it so seriously. They want to win every down. They
want the best out of everyone around them.”

Wilfork understands just how tough it
is to defend Peyton Manning, but he knows that New England will be
well represented at the quarterback position, too.

So, while Wilfork’s primary concern
this weekend may be to stop Manning, he certainly holds a lot of
respect for him.